Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Cambridge
ONS ASHE 2025 · East region · Updated October 2025
How Cambridge compares
Worth noting that head teachers and principalss in the East earned £66,126 at the median in 2025. Across the UK as a whole, the figure was £70,977 — a difference of 6.8%. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. The cost of living in the East is 2.7% below the UK average, so a salary of £66,126 has an effective purchasing power closer to £67,961. Compared to the Cambridge average across all roles (£40,266), head teachers and principalss take home 64.2% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (East index: 97.3, UK=100), a salary of £66,126 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £67,961 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the East is 2.7% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Cambridge
Salary data is by ONS region. Cambridge is in the East region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Head teachers and principals Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in Cambridge?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the East (which includes Cambridge) is £66,126 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does head teachers and principals pay in Cambridge compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the East earn 6.8% below the national median of £70,977. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Cambridge compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Cambridge is £40,266. Head teachers and principals in the East earn £66,126, which is 64.2% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Cambridge. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.